This Banana Split Oatmeal parfait blends the classic flavors of a well-loved dessert with the probiotic benefits of Lifeway Kefir. Lifeway Kefir is also a great source of protein for satiety, while oats and bananas provide prebiotic fiber that supports the microbiome. Dig into a better breakfast with this healthy recipe!
The Benefits of Cultured Dairy for Better Health:
Research continues to show the importance of eating healthy foods, including cultured dairy such as kefir, for better gut health, a strong immune system, and to support the microbiome. Fermented foods like kefir hold important value in this line of research due to the link between the gut-brain axis and overall health. Specifically, kefir has been shown to help diversify the microbiome, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, support healthier blood sugar levels, and improve satiety since the bioavailable protein it contains triggers the release of GLP-1.
Lifeway Kefir also contains a variety of nutrients that are vital for healthy bones and overall health: vitamin D3, K, calcium, and vitamin B12. Along with our kefir, we also offer our artisan-made Farmer Cheese, a creamy high-protein cheese made with live and active cultures to support a healthy microbiome that’s easy to spread and contains no added salt for optimal heart-health benefits.
Prep Time: 2-5 Minutes Servings: 1 - 2Ingredients
- 1 frozen banana
- 1 tbsp. creamy-style almond, cashew, pecan, or walnut butter
- 1 tbsp. raw cacao powder (can sub regular cocoa powder)
- 1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract
- 2 pitted Medjool dates
- 1 1/2 - 1 3/4 cups Lowfat Strawberry Kefir
- 1/4- 1/3 cup quick or rolled oats
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
- Other for topping: additional 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries for topping and 1 banana, sliced horizontally (set both aside)
- Homemade chocolate syrup: 1 tbsp. raw cacao powder or cocoa powder and 1/2 tbsp. raw coconut oil (slightly melted)
- Optional toppings: diced pecans, cherries, coconut whipped cream, slivered/sliced almonds, walnuts, more banana, or more berries
Directions
- Add the banana, nut butter, 1 tbsp. cacao powder, vanilla, dates, Lifeway Kefir, quick or rolled oats, frozen strawberries, and frozen pineapple to a high-speed blender. Blend on low to incorporate for a few seconds, then turn to high and blend until thick and creamy. Pour this into 2 parfait-style glasses, but reserve about 1/3 of the mixture to split between the 2 glasses. The glasses should be taller than what the mixture will fit.
- Cut the horizontally sliced bananas in half each and put them inside each glass with the parfaits around the sides of the glasses, evenly (so you can see them from the outside). Add the rest of the blended mixture on top of each one. Top with the remaining additional sliced fresh strawberries on top.
- Make the chocolate syrup: Whisk the slightly melted coconut oil and cacao powder for just a few seconds in a small bowl with a fork; it should come together quickly. Add this hot chocolate sauce on top and pour it onto the top of your smoothie. Then add any of the additional toppings you wish!
